40% Silver Coin Melt Values — Kennedy Half & Silver Eisenhower
The U.S. Mint struck two coins in 40% silver as a transition composition after the Coinage Act of 1965 phased silver out of circulation: the 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar and the 1971-1976 Eisenhower Silver Dollar (S-mint silver-clad collector issues only). They are the only 40% silver U.S. coins ever produced.
Silver spot today: $73.63/oz. A 40% Kennedy half is worth $10.89 at melt; a 40% Eisenhower is worth $23.27.
← All U.S. silver coin melt values
40% Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator
Quick reference — what one 40% silver coin is worth
| Coin | Years | ASW (troy oz) | Melt value at $73.63/oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1965-1970 | 0.147893 | $10.89 |
| 40% Eisenhower Silver Dollar (S-mint) | 1971-1976 | 0.3161 | $23.27 |
Junk silver bag math:
- $10 face of 40% Kennedy halves (20 coins): 2.958 troy oz silver (melt: $217.80).
- $100 face bag of 40% Kennedy halves (200 coins): 29.58 troy oz silver (melt: $2177.98).
For comparison, a $100 face bag of 90% silver halves contains 71.5 troy oz of silver, which is why 40% bags trade at meaningful discounts per face dollar.
Why 40% Silver Coins Exist
The Coinage Act of 1965 ended the long era of 90% silver U.S. circulating coinage. Dimes and quarters moved to copper-nickel clad, while the half dollar got a transition treatment at 40% silver from 1965 through 1970. Silver appeared once more in 1971-1976 Eisenhower silver-clad collector issues with an "S" mint mark. See the end of silver in U.S. coins for broader context.
40% Silver Coins by Series
1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar (40% silver)
Every 1965 through 1970 Kennedy is 40% silver. The 1964 Kennedy is 90% silver and every regular circulating issue from 1971 onward is clad.
Years: 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970. ASW: 0.147893 troy oz, composition: 40% silver clad, total weight: 11.50 g.
1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar melt value page →
Half dollar denomination hub →
1971-1976 Eisenhower Silver Dollar (40% silver, S-mint only)
Most Eisenhower dollars are clad (no silver). The exception is the San Francisco "S" mint silver-clad collector issues sold in Mint products.
Years: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976. ASW: 0.3161 troy oz, composition: 40% silver clad, total weight: 24.59 g.
1971-1976 Eisenhower Silver Dollar melt value page →
Silver dollar denomination hub →
40% vs. 90% Silver — How to Tell the Difference
- Kennedy halves by date: 1964 is 90%, 1965-1970 is 40%, 1971+ is clad.
- Eisenhower by mint mark: "S" silver-clad collector issues are 40%; no mint mark and "D" are clad.
- Weight check: 40% Kennedy is 11.50 g, 90% Kennedy is 12.50 g, clad Kennedy is 11.34 g.
How 40% Silver Melt Math Differs from 90%
A 40% Kennedy (0.147893 oz) contains about 41% of the silver in a 90% Kennedy (0.36169 oz), not exactly 40%, because total coin weight is also lower.
Where to Buy and Sell 40% Silver
- Browse junk silver and 40% bag listings
- Compare current silver coin prices
- Half dollar melt values
- Silver dollar melt values
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 40% silver worth buying?
Yes, especially for buyers prioritizing lower premium-per-ounce exposure to physical silver.
How do I identify a 40% silver Kennedy half?
By date: 1965 through 1970 are 40% silver, 1964 is 90%, and 1971 onward is clad for circulation issues.
Are silver Eisenhower dollars 40% or 90%?
40% for S-mint silver-clad collector issues only; there are no 90% silver Eisenhowers.
Why is 40% silver less popular than 90% junk silver?
Lower silver content per face dollar and lower retail familiarity, which often creates lower premiums.
Did the Mint produce any other 40% silver U.S. coins?
No. The 1965-1970 Kennedy half and 1971-1976 silver-clad Eisenhower dollar are the two 40% U.S. coin series.
Related
- All silver coin melt values (master hub)
- Half dollar melt values
- Silver dollar melt values
- Silver quarter melt values
- Silver dime melt values
- Junk silver collection — compare current prices
- The end of silver in U.S. coins
